FREE Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be available through local schools for all students and staff from the start of Term 1, 2022 to help students and staff to return safely to school and ensure positive cases are identified as quickly as possible.
While mainstream primary and secondary staff and students have been strongly recommended to undertake twice-a-week testing on school days for the first four weeks of term, testing each school day for five days has been advised for all specialist school staff and students.
This is to provide a higher level of surveillance for students with disabilities because of the greater risk associated with COVID-19 for some students with disabilities.
Testing is to be done at home, and students and staff must report any positive result, with no requirement to report negative results.
Monivae College principal, Jonathon Rowe said that there have been constant changes to keep up with over the last two years which have had a significant impact on the way children have been learning.
“We understand there will be requirement to have tests now,” Mr Rowe said.
“But these recommendations are in place to help protect the school community during COVID-19.”
Mr Rowe said that he was currently awaiting further information from the Department of Education as to operational guidelines around the RAT testing requirements, to clarify exactly what this means for the school and how it will be managed.
“All of these changes have been designed to support the wellbeing and health of staff and students at the school.
“We want students and their families returning to school, to feel safe.”
Penshurst Primary School principal Fiona Hermon posted an update to the school’s Facebook page advising the school community that only double vaccinated parents will be allowed on site, with masks in place to enter buildings, to ensure COVID safe practices occur when school resumes next week.
“I have received notification from the Department of Education on protocols this morning,” she said.
“I am working through the requirements and will post any additional information as soon as possible.”
